Few people know that getting rid of this unpleasant disease is quite difficult, and the whole process takes a long time. Almost 20% of the population is affected by this disease, which affects both toes and nails. At the same time, age here is absolutely not important, since the fungus is observed in adults and even adolescents and children.
Causes of the disease
Fungus, or, as it is also called, onychomycosis, occurs as a result of exposure to various types of fungi, that is, simply put, pathogens. Personal hygiene is also important: if you don't respect it, you yourself create the conditions necessary for the proliferation of bacteria. Moreover, you can easily become the owner of such an unpleasant disease, since the fungus can be infected by another person.
This happens most often in the following cases:
- use of common household tools and objects;
- Non-sterilized manicure instruments;
- saunas and baths;
- shared showers in gyms or swimming pools.
The success of the effectiveness of the treatment is the diagnosis of the causative agent of the disease, which is carried out by laboratory tests.
At the same time, each type of fungus has a specific affected area. For example, some affect only the skin or nails of the toes and fingers, while others affect the sides of the fingers and the top of the sole.
Much less common are the effects of fungi such as epidermophytes, trichophytes, as well as yeasts or molds, which appear more often in older people. Often this onychomycosis affects the first toes.
The diagnostic process and factors that accompany the disease
Before deciding on a comprehensive treatment for nail fungus, especially on the toes, you should undergo an examination. But it is worth remembering the following factors that only improve the process of bacterial development:
- The occurrence of any damage to the plate itself and the surrounding skin.
- Various types of diseases, including varicose veins and other endocrine diseases.
- Decreased immune system function and hormonal imbalance (often in pregnant women).
The symptoms of a fungal disease largely depend on the type of pathogen. It often affects toenails and there are four degrees of damage:
- normotrophic;
- hypertrophic;
- atrophic;
- onycholysis.
In addition, the disease is quite dangerous, since in the case of mold there is a negative effect on the body itself, as well as its intoxication, since the bacterium releases toxins. Let's take a closer look at how to get rid of this disease and what drugs will really help you forget about this infection.
Method of treatment of the disease
To select the correct, and most importantly, effective treatment, it is imperative to take into account the degree of damage to the nail plate and the speed of its growth. Moreover, the effect is the same in both cases: in case of damage to the toenails and in case of fungus on the hands, the treatment can be complex or local.
Local exposure is often necessary if the fungus has affected only a few nails or if the plaque is only half affected.
As for the complex technique, doctors prescribe antifungal agents, both externally and internally. You should also take vitamins to improve the immune system, immunomodulators and agents that have a disinfectant effect. For example, a fairly good product is based on acids and essential oils, available in the form of a spray or lotion, and reviews about it are only positive. It is important that the product is suitable for everyone from a financial point of view, since its price is quite reasonable.
Taking pills is possible only on doctor's prescription, as they have a strong effect on the body as a whole, especially for those with liver problems. Of course, the use of such drugs is contraindicated for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Tablets are prescribed only in cases where creams do not have a therapeutic effect and if the affected area of the nail plate is sufficiently large.
Preventive methods
As already mentioned, the infection process occurs due to direct contact of the nails or skin with the source of the infection. If your immunity is in perfect order, you don't have to worry. Otherwise, the disease takes root very quickly and is very difficult to overcome. It is sufficient to follow the following rules regarding personal hygiene:
- do not walk barefoot on beaches or in swimming pools;
- wear socks and change them every day;
- Never try on a stranger's shoes;
- dry your feet after taking a shower.
Such simple rules will allow you to increase your chances and not to be infected by someone else with this extremely unpleasant disease, which in the future will bring you a lot of inconvenience and inconvenience.